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JUL  26  1965 


SONGS, 


DIVINE  AND  MORAL, 

BY 

ISAAC  WATTS,  D.D. 

TO  WHICH  IS  PREFIXED 

A  MEMOIR  OF  THE  AUTHOR. 


PHILADELPHIA:    . 

SMITH    AND    PECK. 
1S44. 


Stereotyped  by  J.  Fagan. 
Printed  by  C.  Sherman. 


MEMOIR 


ISAJIC  WATTS,  D.D. 


The  author  of  this  very  celebrated 
and  beautiful  collection  of  poems,  was 
a  Divine  by  whose  writings  almost  all 
classes  were  equally  benefited  and 
delighted.  He  composed  a  Catechism 
for  infants  of  four  years  of  age ;  the 
following  series  of  religious  songs  for 
childhood ;  and  a  treatise  on  the  Im- 

(5) 


provement  of  the  Mind  for  youth.  To 
the  scholar  he  gave  his  Logic,  and  his 
exquisite  Psalms  and  Hymns  were  writ- 
ten for  the  "ordinary  christian,"  by 
which  he  might  express  his  "peculiar 
wants  or  distresses,  his  joys  or  bless- 
ings," at  once  in  the  language  of  King 
David  and  of  a  Christian. 

Isaac  Watts  was  born  at  South- 
ampton, in  Hampshire,  on  the  17th  of 
July,  1674,  where  his  father,  of  the 
same  name,  kept  a  boarding-school. 
He  was  the  eldest  of  nine  children,  and 
discovered  from  his  infancy  such  a  pre- 
dilection for  study,  that  he  began  to 
learn  Latin  at  four  years  old ;   after 


which,  he  was  perfected  in  that  tongue* 
with  those  of  the  Greek  and  Hebrew 
by  Mr.  Pinhorn,  Master  of  the  Free 
School  of  his  native  city.  His  ability 
at  that  seminary  was  so  conspicuous, 
that  a  subscription  was  proposed  for  his 
support  at  the  University  to  fit  him  for 
entering  the  Church  of  England ;  but 
he  declared  his  intention  to  remain  with 
the  Dissenters,  and  in  1690  entered  an 
Academy  in  London  taught  by  Mr. 
Rowe.  He  was  so  much  attached  to 
verses,  that  "  from  fifteen  to  fifty,"  as 
he  states  of  himself,  he  was  accus- 
tomed to  compose  them  ;  and  in  his 
youth  he  was  very  successful  in  Latin 


poetry.  His  conduct  under  Mr.  Rowe 
was  so  exemplary,  that  he  was  often 
proposed  as  a  model  for  the  other  stu- 
dents, and  in  his  19th  year  he  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  communion  of  the  Inde- 
pendent congregation  over  which  his 
tutor  presided.  Watts' s  method  of 
study  was  such  as  to  combine  in  a  few 
books,  the  advantages  derivable  from 
a  large  library ;  since  he  used  to 
abridge  and  interleave  them,  and  am- 
plify one  system  by  supplements  from 
another.  At  the  age  of  twenty  he  left 
the  Academy,  and  spent  two  years  in 
study  and  devotion  under  the  roof  of 
his  father,  whence  he  removed  to  the 


residence  of  Sir  John  Hartopp  in  1696, 
to  become  domestic  tutor  to  his  son. 
In  the  course  of  the  five  years  during 
which  he  remained  there,  Isaac  Watts 
devoted  himself  to  the  study  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures ;  and  being  selected  as 
assistant  to  Dr.  Chauncey,  he  preached 
for  the  first  time  on  the  day  which  com- 
pleted his  twenty-fourth  year.  In  1702 
he  succeeded  the  Doctor  in  his  pastoral 
charge,  but  being  seized  by  a  danger- 
ous illness  soon  after,  an  assistant  was 
appointed  him,  and  his  health  return- 
ing, until  1712  he  performed  his  duty ; 
but  he  was  then  attacked  by  a  fever 


of  such  strength  and  continuance,  that 
he  never  perfectly  recovered  from  the 
effects  of  it.  In  this  state  Isaac  Watts 
was  received  into  the  house  of  Sir 
Thomas  Abney,  at  Stoke  Newington, 
one  of  the  richest  supporters  of  the 
Dissenting  interest ;  and  for  thirty-six 
years  experienced  the  kindest  attention 
from  the  family,  for  though  Sir  Thomas 
died  in  about  eight  years  time,  he  con- 
tinued with  his  widow  and  her  daugh- 
ters to  the  end  of  his  life. 

In  this  retreat  he  composed  and  pro- 
duced many  of  his  excellent  publica- 
tions ;    in    which    the   extent    of  his 


capacity  is  shown  by  their  variety,  his 
industry  by  their  number,  and  his  piety 
in  every  line  which  is  contained  in 
them.  His  theological  treatises  are 
admirable  incitements  to  religion,  and 
his  "  Improvement  of  the  Mind,"  a 
delightful  conductor  to  intellectual  per- 
fection ;  but  his  most  universal  publica- 
tion was  his  Psalms  and  Hymns,  in 
which  the  strains  of  the  "  Sweet  Singer 
of  Israel "  were  adorned  with  the  beau- 
ties of  the  Christian  dispensation ;  and 
the  pilgrim  whose  face  was  set  Zion- 
ward,  was  furnished  with  many  a 
melody  to  sing    on   his  road  to  the 


celestial  city.  Nor  was  the  ensuing 
collection  of  Moral  and  Divine  Songs 
of  any  less  utility ;  since  by  it  youth 
was  furnished  with  materials  for  pious 
and  instructive  mirth,  instead  of  the 
baneful  or  unmeaning  verses  too  com- 
monly made  use  of. 

To  the  end  of  his  life  Isaac  Watts 
continued  the  pastor  of  a  congrega- 
tion ;  and  his  labours  were  both  popu- 
lar and  efficacious,  though  his  stature 
was  low,  and  he  used  none  of  the 
familiarity  and  gesticulation,  which 
were  not  unusual  with  the  Dissenting 
Ministers  even  of  his  day.  His  dis- 
courses, however,  were  marked  with  a 


gravity  and  propriety  of  delivery,  by 
pauses  made  at  the  conclusion  of  im- 
portant sentences,  and  by  a  continual 
flow  of  thought  and  language,  graced 
by  a  rich  extemporary  eloquence. 

He  contiued  for  many  years  to  study 
and  to  preach ;  and  in  1728  he  received 
from  the  Universities  of  Edinburgh 
and  Aberdeen,  an  unsolicited  diploma 
constituting  him  a  Doctor  of  Divinity. 
At  length,  his  age  prevented  him  from 
discharging  the  more  laborious  part 
of  his  ministerial  office ;  but  his  con- 
gregation would  not  permit  him  to  give 
up  his  salary,  though  the  good  man's 
conscience  led  him  to  offer  to  resign  it. 


As  his  weakness  continued  to  increase, 
Dr.  Watts  became  confined  to  his 
chamber  and  to  his  bed ;  and  there, 
gradually  worn  away  without  pain,  he 
expired  ou  the  25th  of  November,  1748, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-five. 

Few  men,  says  Dr.  Johnson — and 
any  memoir  of  this  eminent  Divine 
will  be  adorned  by  the  adoption  of  his 
words  —  Few  men  have  left  behind 
them  such  purity  of  character,  or  such 
monuments  of  laborious  piety.  His 
natural  quickness  of  resentment  he 
had  softened  into  gentleness,  modesty, 
and  inoffensive  conduct ;  and  his  cha- 
rity resigned  to  the  poor  a  third  part 


of  his  annual  income,  which  in  the 
whole  was  not  £100.  The  young  and 
the  uneducated  may  safely  be  pleased 
with  his  poems ;  and  happy  is  that 
reader  whose  mind  is  disposed,  either 
by  his  prose  or  his  verses,  to  imitate 
him  in  his  benevolence  to  man,  or  his 
zeal  and  reverence  to  God. 


CONTENTS. 


Song  Page 

1  A  General  Song  of  Praise  to  God. .. .  20 

2  Praise  for  Creation  and  Providence. .  24 

3  Praise  to  God  for  our  Redemption  ...  28 

4  Praise  for  Mercies  spiritual  and  tem- 

poral  32 

5  Praise  for  Birth  and  Education  in  a 

Christi  an  Land 36 

6  Praise  for  the  Gospel 40 

7  The  Excellency  of  the  Bible 44 

8  Against  Lying 48 

9  Praise  to  God  for  learning  to  Read. . .  52 

10  Against  Quarrelling  and  Fighting. ..  56 

11  Solemn  Thoughts  on  God  and  Death.  60 

12  Love  between  Brothers  and  Sisters. .  64 

13  The  All-seeing  God 68 

14  Heaven  and  Hell v 72 

2  (17) 


xviii  CONTENTS. 

Song  ^aSe 

15  The  Advantages  of  Early  Religion . .     76 

16  The  Danger  of  Delay 80 

17  Examples  of  Early  Piety 84 

18  Against  Idleness  and  Mischief 88 

19  Against  Evil  Company 92 

20  Obedience  to  Parents 96 

21  Against  Scoffing  and  calling  Names  100 

22  Against  Swearing  and  Cursing,  and 

taking  God's  name  in  vain 104 

23  Against  Pride  in  Clothes 108 

24  The  Child's  Complaint 112 

25  A  Morning  Song 110 

26  An  Evening  Song 120 

27  For  the  Lord's  Day  Morning 124 

28  For  the  Lord's  Day  Evening 128 

29  The  Ten  Commandments,  and  other 

small  Pieces 132 

A    SLIGHT    SPECIMEN    OF 

MORAL  SONGS. 
1  The  Sluggard 142 


CONTEXTS.  XIX 

Song  Page 

2  Innocent  Play 146 

3  The  Thief. 150 

4  The  Ant,  or  Emmet -. 154 

5  The  Rose 158 

6  Good  Resolution 162 

7  A  Summer  Evening 166 

APPENDIX. 

A  Cradle  Hymn 170 

The  Kite 176 

The  Ply 180 

The  Beggar's  Petition 184 

A  Morning  Song i 190 


DIVINE   SONGS. 

SONG  I. 

A  GENERAL  SONG  OF  PRAISE  TO  GOD. 

How  glorious  is  our,heav'nly  King, 
Who  reigns  above  the  sky  ! 

How  shall  a  child  presume  to  sing 
His  dreadful  majesty  ? 


How  great  his  pow'r  is,  none  can  tell, 
Nor  think  how  large  his  grace  ; 

Not  men  below,  nor  saints  that  dwell 
On  high  before  his  face. 

(20) 


21 


DIVINE   SONGS.  23 

Not  angels  that  stand  round  the  Lord 
Can  search  his  secret  will ; 

But  they  perform  his  heav'nly  word, 
And  sing  his  praises  still. 

Then  let  me  join  his  holy  train, 
And  my  first  off' rings  bring ; 

Th'  eternal  God  will  not  disdain 
To  hear  an  infant  sing. 

My  heart  resolves,  my  tongue  obeys, 

And  angels  shall  rejoice, 
To  hear  their  mighty  Maker's  praise 

Sound  from  a  feeble  voice. 


24  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG  II. 

PRAISE  FOR  CREATION  AND  PROVIDENCE. 

I  sing  th'  almighty  power  of  God, 
^  That  made  the  mountains  rise  ; 
That  spread  the  flowing  seas  abroad, 
And  built  the  lofty  skies. 

I  sing  the  wisdom  that  ordain'd 

The  sun  to  rule  the  day  ; 
The  moon  shines  full  at  his  command, 

And  all  the  stars  obey. 

I  sing  the  goodness  of  the  Lord, 
That  fill'd  the  earth  with  food ; 

He  form'd  the  creatures  with  his  word, 
And  then  pronounc'd  them  good. 

Lord,  how  thy  wonders  are  display'd 
Where'er  I  turn  mine  eye! 

If  I  survey  the  ground  I  tread, 
Or  gaze  upon  the  sky ! 


DIVINE   SONGS.  27 

There  's  not  a  plant  or  flow'r  below, 
But  makes  thy  glories  known; 

And  clouds  arise,  and  tempests  blow, 
By  order  from  thy  throne. 

Creatures  (as  num'rous  as  they  be) 

Are  subject  to  thy  care ; 
There's  not  a  place  where  we  can  flee. 

But  God  is  present  there. 

Inheav'n  he  shines  with  beams  of  love, 
With  wrath  in  hell  beneath  ! 

'T  is  on  his  earth  I  stand  or  move, 
And  'tis  his  air  I  breathe. 

His  hand  is  my  perpetual  guard ; 

He  keeps  me  with  his  eye  ; 
Why  should  I  then  forget  the  Lord, 

Who  is  for  ever  nigh  ? 


28  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG  III. 

PRAISE  TO  GOD  FOR  OUR  REDEMPTION. 

Blest  be  the  wisdom  and  the  pow'r, 

The  justice  and  the  grace, 
That  join'd  in  council  to  restore 

And  save  our  ruin'd  race  ! 

Our  father  ate  forbidden  fruit, 

And  from  his  glory  fell ; 
And  we,  his  children,  thus  were  brought 

To  death,  and  near  to  hell 

Blest  be  the  Lord,  that  sent  his  Son 
To  take  our  flesh  and  blood  ; 

He  for  our  lives  gave  up  his  own, 
To  make  our  peace  with  God. 

He  honour' d  all  his  Father's  laws, 
Which  we  have  disobey'd  ; 

He  bore  our  sins  upon  the  cross, 
And  our  full  ransom  paid. 


29 


DIVINE   SONGS.  dl 

Behold  him  rising  from  the  grave ; 

Behold  him  rais'd  on  high ; 
He  pleads  his  merit,  there  to  save 

Transgressors  doom'd  to  die. 

There  on  a  glorious  throne  he  reigns, 

And  by  his  pow'r  divine, 
Redeems  us  from  the  slavish  chains 

Of  Satan  and  of  sin. 

Thence  shall  the  Lord  to  judgment 
come; 

And  with  a  sov' reign  voice 
Shall  call,  and  break  up  ev'ry  tomb, 

While  waking  saints  rejoice. 

O  may  I  then  with  joy  appear 

Before  the  Judge's  face ; 
And  with  the  bless' d  assembly  there 

Sing  his  redeeming  grace ! 


32  DIVINE  SONGS. 


SONG  IV. 

PRAISE  FOR  MERCIES   SPIRITUAL  AND 
TEMPORAL. 

Whene'er  I  take  my  walks  abroad, 

How  many  poor  I  see  ! 
What  shall  I  render  to  my  God 

For  all  his  gifts  to  me  ? 

Not  more  than  others  I  deserve, 
Yet  God  hath  giv'n  me  more ; 

For  I  have  food  while  others  starve, 
Or  beg  from  door  to  door. 

How  many  children  in  the  street 

Half  naked  I  behold  ! 
While  I  am  cloth' d  from  head  to  feet, 

And  cover'd  from  the  cold. 


33 


DIVINE  SONGS.  35 

While  some  poor  wretches  scarce  can 
tell 

Where  they  may  lay  their  head ; 
I  have  a  home  wherein  to  dwell, 

And  rest  upon  my  bed. 

While  others  early  learn  to  swear, 
And  curse,  and  he,  and  steal: 

Lord,  I  am  taught  thy  name  to  fear, 
And  do  thy  holy  will. 

Are  these  thy  favours,  day  by  day, 

To  me  above  the  rest  ? 
Then  let  me  love  thee  more  than  they, 

And  strive  to  serve  thee  best. 


36  DIVINE  SONGS. 


SONG  V. 

PRAISE  FOR  BIRTH   AND   EDUCATION   IN 
A   CHRISTIAN   LAND. 

Great  God,  to  thee  my  voice  I  raise, 
To  thee  my  youngest  hours  belong ; 

I  would  begin  my  life  with  praise, 
Till  growing  years  improve  the  song. 

'T is  to  thy  sov' reign  grace  I  owe, 
That  I  was  born  on  christian  ground ; 

Where  streams  of  heav'nly  mercy  flow, 
And  words  of  sweet  salvation  sound. 

I  would  not  change  my  native  land 
For  rich  Peru,  with  all  her  gold ; 

A  nobler  prize  lies  in  my  hand, 
Than  East  or  Western  Indies  hold. 


37 


DIVINE  SONGS.  39 

How  do  I  pity  those  that  dwell 

Where     ignorance     and    darkness 
reigns  ! 
They  know  no  heav'n,  they  fear  no 
hell, 
Those   endless  joys,   those  endless 
pains. 

Thy  glorious  promises,  0  Lord ! 

Kindle  my  hopes,  and  my  desire  ! 
While  all  the  preachers  of  thy  word 

Warn  me  t'  escape  eternal  fire. 

Thy  praise  shall  still  employ  my  breath, 
Since  thou  hast  mark'd  my  way  to 
heav'n ; 
Nor  will  I  run  the  road  to  death, 
And  waste  the  blessings  thou  hast 
giv'n. 


40  DIVINE  SONGS. 


SONG  VI. 

PRAISE  FOR  THE   GOSPEL. 

Lord,  I  ascribe  it  to  thy  grace, 
And  not  to  chance,  as  others  do, 

That  I  was  born  of  Christian  race, 
And  not  a  Heathen  or  a  Jew. 


What  would  the  ancient  Jewish  kings 
And    Jewish    prophets    once   have 
giv'n, 
Could  they  have  heard  those  glorious 
things, 
Which  Christ  reveal'd  and  brought 
from  heav'n ! 


41 


DIVINE  SONGS.  43 

How  glad  the  heathens  would  have 
been, 
That  worshipp'd  idols,  wood,   and 
stone, 
If  they  the  book  of  God  had  seen, 
Or  Jesus  and  his  gospel  known ! 


Then  if  this  gospel  I  refuse, 
How  shall  I  e'er  lift  up  mine  eyes ! 

For  all  the  Gentiles  and  the  Jews, 
Against  me  will  in  judgment  rise. 


44  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG  VII. 

THE  EXCELLENCY  OF  THE  BIBLE. 

Geeat  God,  with  wonder  and  with 
praise 

On  all  thy  works  I  look : 
But  still  thy  wisdom,  pow'r,  and  grace, 

Shine  brightest  in  thy  book. 

The  stars  that  in  their  courses  roll 
Have  much  instruction  giv'n: 

But  thy  good  word  informs  my  soul 
How  I  may  climb  to  heav'n. 

The  fields  provide  me  food,  and  show 
The  goodness  of  the  Lord  ; 

But  fruits  of  life  and  glory  grow 
In  thy  most  holy  word. 


45 


DIVINE   SONGS.  47 

Here  are  my  choicest  treasures  hid, 
Here  my  best  comfort  lies ; 

Here  my  desires  are  satisfy' d, 
And  hence  my  hopes  arise. 

Lord,  make  me  understand  thy  law, 
Show  what  my  faults  have  been  ! 

And  from  thy  gospel  let  me  draw 
Pardon  for  all  my  sin. 


Here  would  I  learn  how  Christ  has 
died, 

To  save  my  soul  from  hell : 
Not  all  the  books  on  earth  beside, 

Such  heav'nly  wonders  tell. 

Then  let  me  love  my  Bible  more, 

And  take  a  fresh  delight, 
By  day  to  read  those  wonders  o'er, 

And  meditate  by  night. 


48  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG  VIII. 

AGAINST  LYING. 

0  't  is  a  lovely  thing  for  youth 
To  walk  betimes  in  wisdom's  way ; 

To  fear  a  lie,  to  speak  the  truth, 
That  we  may  trust  to  all  they  say. 

But  liars  we  can  never  trust, 

Though  they  should  speak  the  thing 
that's  true ; 
And  he  that  does  one  fault  at  first, 

And  lies  to  hide  it,  makes  it  two. 

Have  we  not  known,  nor  heard,  nor 
read, 

How  God  abhors  deceit  and  wrong  ? 
How  Ananias  was  struck  dead, 

Caught  with  a  lie  upon  his  tongue  ? 


49 


DIVINE  SONGS.  51 

So  did  his  wife  Sapphira  die, 

When  she  came  in,  and  grew  so  bold 
As  to  confirm  that  wicked  lie, 

Which  just  before,  her  husband  told. 

The  Lord  delights  in  them  that  speak 
The  words  of  truth  ;  but  ev'ry  liar 

Must  have  his  portion  in  the  lake 
That  burns  with  brimstone  and  with 
fire. 

Then  let  me  always  watch  my  lips, 
Lest  I  be  struck  to  death  and  hell ; 

Since  God  a  book  of  reck'ning  keeps, 
For  ev'ry  he  that  children  tell. 


52  DIVINE  SONGS. 


SONG  IX. 

PRAISE  TO  GOD  FOR  LEARNING  TO  READ. 

The  praises  of  my  tongue 

I  offer  to  the  Lord, 
That  I  was  taught,  and  learnt  so  young, 

To  read  his  holy  word : 

That  I  am  brought  to  know 

The  danger  I  was  in  ; 
By  nature  and  by  practice  too, 

A  wretched  slave  to  sin  : 

That  I  am  led  to  see 

I  can  do  nothing  well ; 
And  whither  shall  a  sinner  flee, 

To  save  himself  from  hell  ? 

Dear  Lord,  this  book  of  thine 

Informs  me  where  to  go, 
For  grace  to  pardon  ali  my  sin, 

And  make  me  holy  too. 


53 


DIVINE  SONGS.  55 

Here  I  can  read  and  learn 
How  Christ,  the  Son  of  God, 

Has  undertook  our  great  concern ; 
Our  ransom  cost  his  blood. 

And  now  he  reigns  above, 

He  sends  his  spirit  down, 
To  show  the  wonders  of  his  love, 

And  make  his  gospel  known. 

O  may  the  spirit  teach, 
And  make  my  heart  receive, 

Those  truths  which  all  thy  servants 
preach, 
And  all  thy  saints  believe ! 

Then  shall  I  praise  the  Lord, 

In  a  more  cheerful  strain, 
That  I  was  taught  to  read  his  word, 

And  have  not  learnt  in  vain. 


56  DININE  SONGS. 

SONG  X. 

AGAINST  QUARRELLING   AND   FIGHTING. 

Let  dogs  delight  to  bark  and  bite, 
For  God  hath  made  them  so ; 

Let  bears  and  lions  growl  and  fight, 
For  't  is  their  nature  too. 

But,  children,  you  should  never  let 

Such  angry  passions  rise  ; 
Your  little  hands  were  never  made 

To  tear  each  other's  eyes. 

Let  love  thro'  all  your  actions  run, 
And  all  your  words  be  mild ; 

Live  like  the  blessed  Virgin's  Son, 
That  sweet  and  lovely  child. 


57 


DIVINE  SONGS.  59 

His  soul  was  gentle  as  a  lamb ; 

And  as  his  stature  grew, 
He  grew  in  favour  both  with  man, 

And  God  his  Father  too. 


Now  Lord  of  all  he  reigns  above, 
And  from  his  heav'nly  throne, 

He  sees  what  children  dwell  in  love, 
And  marks  them  for  his  own. 


60  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG  XL 

SOLEMN  THOUGHTS  ON  GOD  AND  DEATH. 

There  is  a  God,  that  reigns  above, 
Lord  of  the  heav'ns,  and  earth,  and 
seas ; 

I  fear  his  wrath,  I  ask  his  love, 
And  with  my  lips  I  sing  his  praise. 

There  is  a  law  which  he  has  writ, 
To  teach  us  all  what  we  must  do ; 

My  soul,  to  his  commands  submit, 
For  they  are  holy,  just,  and  true. 

There  is  a  gospel  of  rich  grace, 

Whence  sinners  all  their  comforts 
draw ; 

Lord,  I  repent,  and  seek  thy  face, 
For  I  have  often  broke  thy  law. 


61 


DIVINE  SONGS.  63 

There  is  an  hour  when  I  must  die, 
Nor  do  I  know  how  soon  'twill  come ; 

A  thousand  children,  young  as  I, 
Are  call'd  by  death  to  hear  their 
doom. 

Let  me  improve  the  hours  I  have, 
Before  the  day  of  grace  is  fled ; 

There 's  no  repentance  in  the  grave, 
Nor  pardon  offer' d  to  the  dead. 


Just  as  a  tree  cut  down,  that  fell 
To  north  or  southward,  there  it  lies 

So  man  departs  to  heav'n  or  hell, 
Fix'd  in  the  state  wherein  he  dies. 


64  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG  XII. 

LOVE  BETWEEN  BROTHERS  AND  SISTERS. 


Whatever  brawls  disturb  the  street, 
There  should  be  peace  at  home  ; 

Where  sisters  dwell  and  brothers  meet, 
Quarrels  should  never  come. 

Birds  in  their  little  nests  agree  ; 

And  'tis  a  shameful  sight, 
When  children  of  one  family 

Fall  out,  and  chide,  and  fight. 

Hard   names  at  first,  and  threat' ning 
words, 

That  are  but  noisy  breath  ; 
May  grow  to  clubs  and  naked  swords, 

To  murder  and  to  death. 


65 


DIVINE  SONGS.  67 

The  devil  tempts  one  mother's  son 

To  rage  against  another  ; 
So  wicked  Cain  was  hurried  on, 

Till  he  had  kill'd  his  brother. 

The  wise  will  let  their  anger  cool, 

At  least  before  'tis  night ; 
But  in  the  bosom  of  a  fool 

It  burns  till  morning  light. 

Pardon,  O  Lord,  our  childish  rage. 

Our  little  brawls  remove  ; 
That  as  we  grow  to  riper  age, 

Our  hearts  may  all  be  love. 


68  DIVINE   SONGS. 

SONG  XIII. 

THE  ALL-SEEING  GOD. 

Almighty  God,  thy  piercing  eye  # 
Strikes  through  the  shades  of  night, 

And  our  most  secret  actions  lie 
All  open  to  thy  sight. 

There 's  not  a  sin  that  we  commit, 

Nor  wicked  word  we  say, 
But  in  thy  dreadful  book  'tis  writ, 

Against  the  judgment  day. 

And  must  the  crimes  that  I  have  done 
Be  read  and  publish'd  there  ? 

Be  all  expos'd  before  the  Son, 
While  men  and  angels  hear  ? 


69 


iig'iifllffili 

lit: 

ftl/l 

1 

DIVINE   SONGS.  71 

Lord,  at  thy  foot  asham'd  I  lie  ; 

Upward  I  dare  not  look  ; 
Pardon  my  sins  before  I  die, 

And  blot  them  from  thy  book. 

Remember  all  the  dying  pains 

That  my  Redeemer  felt, 
And  let  his  blood  wash  out  my  stains. 

And  answer  for  my  guilt. 

O  may  I  now  for  ever  fear 
T"  indulge  a  sinful  thought 

Since  the  great  God  can  see  and  hear. 
And  writes  down  every  fault ! 


72  DIVINE   SONGS. 

SONG  XIV. 

HEAVEN  AND   HELL. 

There  is  beyond  the  sky 
A  heav'n  of  joy  and  love  ; 

And  holy  children  when  they  die 
Go  to  that  world  above. 

There  is  a  dreadful  hell, 

And  everlasting  pains  ; 
There  sinners  must  with  devils  dwell, 

In  darkness,  fire,  and  chains. 

Can  such  a  wretch  as  I 

Escape  this  cursed  end  ? 
And  may  I  hope  whene'er  I  die 

I  shall  to  heav'n  ascend  ? 


73 


DIVINE   SONGS.  75 

Then  will  I  read  and  pray, 
While  I  have  life  and  breath ; 

Lest  I  should  be  cut  off  to-day, 
And  sent  t'  eternal  death. 


76  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG  XV. 

THE   ADVANTAGES   OF  EARLY  RELIGION. 

Happy  the  child  whose  tender  years 

Receive  instructions  well : 
Who  hates  the  sinner's  path,  and  fears 

The  road  that  leads  to  hell. 

When  we  devote  our  youth  to  God, 
'Tis  pleasing  in  his  eyes; 

A  flower,  when  offer'd  in  the  bud, 
Is  no  vain  sacrifice. 

'Tis  easier  work  if  we  begin 
To  fear  the  Lord  betimes  ; 


Are  harden' d  in  their  crimes. 


the 


DIVINE    SONGS.  ILJ 

'Twill  save  us  from  a  thousand  snares, 

To  mind  religion  young : 
Grace  will  preserve  our  foil' wing  years, 

And  make  our  virtue  strong. 

To  thee,  Almighty  God,  to  thee 

Our  childhood  we  resign  ; 
'Twill  please  us  to  look  back  and  see 

That  our  whole  lives  were  thine. 

Let  the  sweet  work  of  pray'r  and  praise 
Employ  my  youngest  breath  : 

Thus  I'm  prepar'd  for  longer  days, 
Or  fit  for  early  death. 


80  DIVINE   SONGS. 

SONG  XVI. 

THE   DANGER  OF  DELAY. 

Why  should  I  say,  "  'Tis  yet  too  soon, 
To  seek  for  heav'n,   or  think    of 
death?" 

A.  flow'r  may  fade  before  'tis  noon, 
And  I  this  day  may  lose  my  breath. 

If  this  rebellious  heart  of  mine 
Despise  the  gracious  calls  of  heav'n, 

I  may  be  harden'd  in  my  sin, 
And  never  have  repentance  giv'n  !  # 

What  if  the  Lord  grow  wrath  and 
swear, 

While  I  refuse  to  read  and  pray, 
That  he  '11  refuse  to  lend  an  ear 

To  all  my  groans  another  day ! 


81 


DIVINE  SONGS.  83 

What  if  his  dreadful  anger  burn. 
While  I  refuse  his  offer' d  grace, 

And  all  his  love  to  fury  turn, 
And  strike  me  dead  upon  the  place. 

'T  is  dang'rous  to  provoke  a  God ! 
His  pow'r  and  vengeance  none  can 
tell ! 
One  stroke  of  his  almighty  rod 
Shall  send  young  sinners  quick  to 
hell. 

Then  'twill  for  ever  be  in  vain 
To  cry  for  pardon  or  for  grace  ; 

To  wish  I  had  my  time  again, 
Or  hope  to  see  my  Maker's  face. 


84  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG  XVII. 

EXAMPLES    OF  EARLY   PIETY. 

What  bless'd  examples  do  I  find, 

Writ  in  the  word  of  truth, 
Of  children  that  began  to  mind 

Religion  in  their  youth  ! 

Jesus,  who  reigns  above  the  sky, 
And  keeps  the  world  in  awe, 

Was  once  a  child  as  young  as  I, 
And  kept  his  Father's  law. 

At  twelve  years  old  he  talk'd  with  men, 
(The  Jews  all  wond'ring  stand,) 

Yet  he  obey'd  his  mother  then, 
And  came  at  her  command. 


85 


DIVINE   SONGS.  87 

Children  a  sweet  hosanna  sung, 
And  bless'd  their  Saviour's  name  ; 

They    gave  him    honour    with    their 
tongue, 
While  scribes  and  priests  blaspheme. 

Samuel,   the  child,  was  wean'd   and 
brought 

To  wait  upon  the  Lord  ; 
Young  Timothy  betimes  was  taught 

To  know  his  holy  word. 

Then  why  should  I  so  long  delay 
What  others  learnt  so  soon  ? 

I  would  not  pass  another  day 
Without  this  work  begun. 


88  DIVINE   SONGS. 

SONG  XVIII. 

AGAINST  IDLENESS   AND   MISCHIEF. 

How  doth  the  little  busy  bee 
Improve  each  shining  hour, 

And  gather  honey  all  the  day 
From  ev'ry  op'ning  flower  ! 

How  skilfully  she  builds  her  cell ! 

How  neat  she  spreads  the  wax ! 
And  labours  hard  to  store  it  well 

With  the  sweet  food  she  makes. 


In  works  of  labour,  or  of  skill, 

I  would  be  busy  too  ; 
For  Satan  finds  some  mischief  still 

For  idle  hands  to  do. 


89 


DIVINE   SONGS.  91 

In  books,  or  works,  or  healthful  play, 
Let  my  first  years  be  past ; 

That  I  may  give  for  every  day 
Some  good  account  at  last. 


92  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG  XIX. 

AGAINST  EVIL   COMPANY. 

Why  should  I  join  with  those  in  play, 

In  whom  I  've  no  delight ; 
Who  curse  and  swear,  but  never  pray; 

Who  call  ill  names  and  fight  ? 

I  hate  to  hear  a  wanton  song  ; 

The  words  offend  my  ears : 
1  should  not  dare  defile  my  tongue 

With  language  such  as  theirs. 

Away  from  fools  I  '11  turn  mine  eyes ; 

Nor  with  the  scoffers  go ; 
I  would  be  walking  with  the  wise, 

That  wiser  I  may  grow. 


93 


DIVINE   SONGS.  95 

From   one  rude  boy  that's  us'd   to 
mock, 

They  learn  the  wicked  jest : 
One  sickly  sheep  infects  the  flock, 

And  poisons  all  the  rest. 

My  God,  I  hate  to  walk  or  dwell 

With  sinful  children  here  : 
Then  let  me  not  be  sent  to  hell, 

Where  none  but  sinners  are. 


96  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG  XX. 

OBEDIENCE   TO   PARENTS. 

Let  children  that  would  fear  the  Lord. 

Hear  what  their  teachers  say  ; 
With  rev'rence  meet    their    parents' 
word, 

And  with  delight  obey. 

Have    you    not  heard  what  dreadful 
plagues 

Are  threaten'd  by  the  Lord, 
To  him  that  breaks  his  father's  law, 

Or  mocks  his  mother's  word  ? 

What  heavy  guilt  upon  him  lies ! 

How  cursed  is  his  name  ! 
The  ravens  shall  pick  out  his  eyes, 

And  eagles  eat  the  same. 


07 


DIVINE  SONGS. 


But  those  that  worship  God,  and  give 

Their  parents  honour  due, 
Here  on  this  earth  they  long  shall  live, 

And  live  hereafter  too. 


DIVINE   SONGS. 


SONG  XXI. 

AGAINST    SCOFFING    AND    CALLING 

NAMES. 

Our  tongues  were  made  to  bless  the 
Lord, 

And  not  speak  ill  of  men  ; 
When  others  give  a  railing  word, 

We  must  not  rail  again. 

Cross  words  and  angry  names  require 

To  be  chastis'd  at  school ; 
And  he  's  in  danger  of  hell-fire 

That  calls  his  brother,  Fool. 

But  lips  that  dare  be  so  profane, 
To  mock,  and  jeer,  and  scoff 

At  holy  things,  or  holy  men, 
The  Lord  shall  cut  them  off. 


101 


Blliilfl 

DIVINE  SONGS.  103 

When  children,  in  their  wanton  play, 

Serv'd  old  Elisha  so; 
And  bid  the  prophet  go  his  way, 

"  Go  up,  thou  bald-head,  go !" 

God    quickly    stopp'd    their    wicked 
breath, 
And  sent  two  raging  bears, 
That  tore   them    limb   from  limb  to 
death, 
With  blood,  and  groans,  and  tears. 

Great  God,  how  terrible  art  thou 

To  sinners  e'er  so  young  ! 
Grant  me  thy  grace,  and  teach  me  how 

To  tame  and  rule  my  tongue. 


104  DIVINE  SONGS. 


SONG  XXII. 

AGAINST  SWEARING   AND  CURSING,  AND 
TAKING  GOD'S  NAME  IN  VAIN. 

Angels,  that  high  in  glory  dwell, 
Adore  thy  name,  Almighty  God  ; 

And  devils  tremble  down  in  hell, 
Beneath  the  terrors  of  thy  rod : 

And  yet  how  wicked  children  dare 

Abuse  thy  dreadful,  glorious  name  ! 
And  when   they  're  angry  how  they 
swear, 
And  curse  their  fellows,  and  blas- 
pheme ; 

How  will  they  stand  before  thy  face, 
Who  treated  thee  with  such  disdain  ; 

While  thou  shalt  doom   them  to  the 
place 
Of  everlasting  fire  and  pain  ! 


105 


DIVINE  SONGS.  107 

Then  never  shall  one  cooling  drop 
To  quench  their  burning  tongues  be 
giv'n ; 

But  I  will  praise  thee  here,  and  hope 
Thus  to  employ  my  tongue  in  heav'n. 

My  heart  shall  be  in  pain  to  hear 
Wretches  affront  the  Lord  above : 

'Tis  that  great  God  whose  pow'r  I 
fear  ; 
That  heav'nly  Father  whom  I  love. 

If  my  companions  grow  profane, 
I'll  leave  their  friendship  when  I  hear 

Young  sinners  take  thy  name  in  vain, 
And  learn    to  curse  and   learn  to 


108  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG     XXIII. 

AGAINST  PRIDE   IN   CLOTHES. 

Why  should  our  garments,  made  to 

hide 
Our    parents'    shame,    provoke    our 

pride  ? 
The  art  of  dress  did  ne'er  begin 
Till  Eve,  our  mother,  learnt  to  sin. 

When  first  she  put  the  cov'ring  on 
Her  robe  of  innocence  was  gone  ; 
And  yet  her  children  vainly  boast 
In  the  sad  marks  of  glory  lost. 

How  proud  we  are  !  how  fond  to  show 
Our  clothes,  and  call  them  rich  and 

new  ! 
When  the  poor  sheep  and  silk-worm 

wore 
That  very  clothing  long  before ! 


109 


DIVINE  SONGS.  Ill 

The  tulip  and  the  butterfly- 
Appear  in  gayer  coats  than  I : 
Let  me  be  drest  fine  as  I  will, 
Flies,  worms  and  flow'rs exceed  me  still. 

Then  will  I  set  my  heart  to  find 
Inward  adornings  of  the  mind  : 
Knowledge  and  virtue,  truth  and  grace, 
These  are  the  robes  of  richest  dress. 

No  more  shall  worms  with  me  compare; 
This  is  the  raiment  angels  wear  ; 
The  Son  of  God,  when  here  below, 
Put  on  this  blest  apparel  too. 

It  never  fades'  it  ne'er  grows  old, 
Nor  fears  the  rain,  nor  moth  nor  mould ; 
It  takes  no  spot,  but  still  refines ; 
The  more  'tis  worn,  the  more  it  shines. 

In  this  on  earth  should  I  appear, 
Then  go  to  heav'n  and  wear  it  there  ; 
God  will  approve  it  in  his  sight ; 
'T. is  his  own  work,  and  his  delight. 


112  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG  XXIV. 

THE   CHILD'S    COMPLAINT.  % 

Why  should  I  love  my  sport  so  well, 

So  constant  at  my  play  ; 
And  lose  the  thoughts  of  heav'n  and 
hell, 

And  then  forget  to  pray  ? 

What  do  I  read  my  Bible  for, 
But,  Lord,  to  learn  thy  will? 

And  shall  I  daily  know  thee  more, 
And  less  obey  thee  still  ? 

How  senseless  is  my  heart,  and  wild ! 

How  vain  are  all  my  thoughts' 
Pity  the  weakness  of  a  child, 

And  pardon  all  my  faults. 


113 


DIVINE  SONGS.  115 

Make  me  thy  heav'nly  voice  to  hear, 

And  let  me  love  to  pray  ; 
Since  God  will  lend  a  gracious  ear 

To  what  a  child  can  say. 


116  DIVINE   SONGS. 

SONG  XXV. 

A   MORNING   SONG. 

My  God,  who  makes  the  sun  to  know 

His  proper  hour  to  rise, 
And,  to  give  light  to  all  below, 

Doth  send  him  round  the  skies. 

When  from  the  chambers  of  the  East 

His  morning  race  begins  ; 
He  never  tires,  nor  stops  to  rest, 

But  round  the  world  he  shines ; 

So,  like  the  sun,  would  I  fulfil 

The  business  of  the  day  ; 
Begin  my  work  betimes,  and  still 

March  on  my  heav'nly  way. 


117 


DIVINE  SONGS.  119 

Give  me,  O  Lord  !  thy  early  grace, 

Nor  let  my  soul  complain, 
That  the  young  morning  of  my  days 

Has  all  been  spent  in  vain. 


120  DIVINE   SONGS. 


SONG  XXVI. 


AN   EVENING  SONG. 

And  now  another  day  is  gone, 
I  '11  sing  my  Maker's  praise  ; 

My  comforts  ev'ry  hour  make  known 
His  providence  and  grace. 

But  how  my  childhood  runs  to  waste ! 

My  sins  how  great  their  sum  ! 
Lord,  give  me  pardon  for  the  past, 

And  strength  for  days  to  come. 

I  lay  my  body  down  to  sleep  ; 

Let  angels  guard  my  head, 
And  through  the  hours  of  darkness  keep 

Their  watch  around  my  bed. 


121 


DIVINE  SONGS*  123 

With  cheerful  heart  I  close  mine  eyes, 
Since  thou  wilt  not  remove  ; 

And  in  the  morning  let  me  rise 
Rejoicing  in  thy  love. 


124  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG  XXVII. 

FOR   THE    LOKD'S-DAY   MORNING. 

This  is  the  day  when  Christ  arose 

So  early  from  the  dead  ; 
Why  should  I  keep  my  eye-lids  clos'd, 

And  waste  my  hours  in  bed  ? 

This  is  the  day  when  Jesus  broke 
The  pow'r  of  death  and  bell  ; 

And  shall  I  still  wear  Satan's  yoke, 
And  love  my  sins  so  well  ? 

To-day  with  pleasure  Christians  meet, 
To  pray  and  hear  thy  word  ; 

And  I  would  go  with  cheerful  feet 
To  learn  thy  will,  O  Lord. 


125 


DITINE  SONGS.  127 

I  '11  leave  my  sport  to  read  and  pray, 
And  so  prepare  for  heav'n  ; 

0  may  I  love  this  blessed  day 
The  best  of  all  the  sev'n. 


128  DIVINE  SONGS. 

SONG  XXVIII. 

FOR   THE   LORD'S-DAY  EVENING. 

Lord,  how  delightful  'tis  to  see 
A  whole  assembly  worship  thee  ! 
At  once  they  sing,  at  once  they  pray  ; 
They  hear  of  heav'n,  and   learn   the 
way. 

I  have  been  there,  and  still  would  go, 
'Tis  like  a  little  heav'n  below: 
Not  all  my  pleasure  and  my  play 
Shall  tempt  me  to  forget  this  day. 

O  write  upon  my  mem'ry,  Lord, 
The  texts  and  doctrines  of  thy  word  ; 
That  I  may  break  thy  laws  no  more, 
But  love  thee  better  than  before. 


129 


DIVINE   SONGS.  131 

With  thoughts  of  Christ  and  things 

divine, 
Fill  up  this  foolish  heart  of  mine ; 
That  hoping  pardon  through  his  blood, 
I  may  lie  down  and  wake  with  God. 


132  DIVINE   SONGS. 


THE  TEN  COMMANDMENTS, 

Out  of  the  Old  Testament,  put  into  short 
Rhyme  for  Children.   Exodus,  Chap.  xx. 

1  Thou  shalt  not  have  more  Gods 

but  me. 

2  Before  no  idol  bow  thy  knee. 

3  Take  not  the  name  of  God  in  vain. 

4  Nor  dare  the  sabbath-day  profane. 

5  Give  both  thy  parents  honour  due. 

6  Take  heed  that  you  no  murder  do. 

7  Abstain  from  words  and  deeds  un- 

clean. 

8  Nor  steal,  tho'  thou  art  poor  and 

mean. 

9  Nor  make  a  wilful  he,  nor  love  it. 
10  What  is  thy  neighbour's,  dare  not 

covet. 


133 


I  If        ||§| 

I 


DIVINE  soNas.  135 

THE  SUM  OF  THE  COMMAND- 
MENTS, 

Out  of  the  New  Testament.     Matthew 
xxii.  37. 

With  all  thy  soul  love  God  above, 
And  as  thyself  thy  neighbour  love. 


OUR  SAVIOUR'S  GOLDEN 
RULE. 

Matt.  vii.  12. 

Be  you  to  others  kind  and  true  ; 
As  you  'd  have  others  do  to  you ; 
And  neither  do  nor  say  to  men 
Whate'er  you  would  not  take  again. 


136  DIVINE   SONGS. 


DUTY  TO  GOD  AND  OUR 
NEIGHBOUR. 

Love   God    with    all    your    soul  and 
strength, 

With  all  your  heart  and  mind : 
And  love  your  neighbour  as  yourself, 

Be  faithful,  just,  and  kind. 

Deal  with  another  as  you  'd  have 

Another  deal  with  you  ; 
What  you're  unwilling  to  receive 

Be  sure  you  never  do. 


DIVINE   SONGS.  137 


Out  of  my  Book  of  HYMNS  I  have  here 
added  the  Hosanna,  and  Glory  to  the  Fa- 
ther, &c.  to  be  sung  at  the  end  of  any 
of  these  Songs,  according  to  the  direction 
of  Parents  or  Governors. 


The    HOSANNA;     or,    SALVA- 
TION ASCRIBED  to  CHRIST. 

LONG-   METRE. 

Hosanna  to  king  David's  Son  ! 
Who  reigns  on  a  superior  throne  ; 
We  bless  the  Prince  of  heav'nly  birth, 
Who  brings  salvation  down  on  earth. 

Let  ev'ry  nation,  ev'ry  age, 
In  this  delightful  work  engage  ; 
Old  men  and  babes  in  Sion  sing 
The  growing  glories  of  her  King  ! 


138  DIVINE  SONGS. 

COMMON   METRE. 

Hosanna  to  the  Prince  of  grace, 

Sion,  behold  thy  King  ! 
Proclaim  the  Son  of  David's  race, 

And  teach  the  babes  to  sing. 

Hosanna  to  th'  eternal  Word, 
Who  from  the  Father  came  ; 

Ascribe  salvation  to  the  Lord, 
With  blessings  on  his  name. 

SHORT   METRE. 

Hosanna  to  the  Son 

Of  David  and  of  God, 
Who  brought  the  news  of  pardon  down, 

And  bought  it  with  his  blood. 

To  Christ  th'  anointed  King, 

Be  endless  blessing  giv'n  ; 
Let  the  whole  earth  his  glories  sing, 

Who  made  our  peace  with  heav'n. 


DIVINE   SONGS.  139 

GLORY  TO  THE  FATHER 
AND  THE  SON,  &c. 

LONG-  METRE. 

To  God  the  Father,  God  the  Son, 
And  God  the  Spirit,  three  in  One ; 
Be  honour,  praise,  and  glory  giv'n, 
By  all  on  earth,  and  all  in  heaven. 

COMMON   METRE. 

Now  let  the  Father  and  the  Son, 

And  Spirit  be  ador'd, 
Where  there  are  works  to  make  him 
known, 

Or  saints  to  love  the  Lord. 

SHORT    METRE. 

Give  to  the  Father  praise, 

Give  glory  to  the  Son ; 
And  to  the  Spirit  of  his  grace 

Be  equal  honour  done. 


A 

SLIGHT  SPECIMEN 

OF 

MORAL    SONGS. 

Such  as  I  wish  some  happy  and  condescending  Genius 
would  undertake  for  the  use  of  Children,  and  perform 
much  better. 

The  sense  and  subjects  might  be 
borrowed  plentifully  from  the  Proverbs 
of  Solomon,  from  all  the  common  ap- 
pearances of  nature,  from  all  occur- 
rences in  civil  life,  both  in  city  and 
country ;  (winch  would  also  afford 
matter  for  other  Divine  Songs.)  Here 
the  language  and  measures  should  be 
(140) 


MORAL  SONGS.  141 

easy  and  flowing  with  cheerfulness, 
with  or  without  the  solemnities  of  reli- 
gion, or  the  sacred  names  of  God  and 
holy  things;  that  children  might  find 
delight  and  profit  together. 

This  would  be  one  effectual  way  to 
deliver  them  from  the  temptation  of 
loving  or  learning  those  idle,  wanton, 
or  profane  songs,  which  give  so  early 
an  ill  taint  to  the  fancy  and  memory ; 
and  become  the  seeds  of  future  vices. 


MORAL   SONGS. 


SONG  I. 


THE   SLUGGARD. 

T'is  the  voice  of  a  sluggard ;  I  heard  him 
complain, 

"  You  've  wak'd  me  too  soon,  I  must  slum- 
ber again  ;" 

As  the  door  on  its  hinjres,  so  he  on  his  bed, 

Turns  his  sides  and  his  shoulders  and  his 
heavy  head. 

"  A  little  more  sleep,  and  a  little   more 

slumber;" 
Thus  he  wastes  half  his  days,  and  his  hours 

without  number; 
And  when  he  gets  up  he  sits  folding  his 

hands, 
Or  walks  about  saunt'ring,  or  trifling  he 

stands  : 

(142) 


143 


MORAL   SONGS.  145 

I  pass'd  by  his  garden,  and  saw  the  wild 

briar,  * 
The  thorn  and  the  thistle  grow  broader  and 

higher ; 
The  clothes  that  hang  on  him  are  turning 

to  rags; 
And  his  money  still  wastes  till  he  starves 

or  he  begs. 


I  made  him  a  visit,  still  hoping  to  find 

He  bad  took  better  care  for  improving  the 

mind  ; 
He  told  me  his  dreams,  talk'd  of  eating  and 

drinking, 
But  he  scarce  reads  his  Bible,  and  never 

loves  thinking. 

Said  I  then  to  my  heart,  "  Here 's  a  lesson 

for  me ;" 
That  man 's  but  a  picture  of  what  I  might 

be; 
But  thanks  to  my  friends  for  their  care  in 

my  breeding, 
Who  taught  me  betimes  to  love  working 

and  reading. 

10 


146  MORAL    SONGS. 

SONG  II. 

INNOCENT  PLAY. 

Abroad  in  the  meadows,  to  see  the 

young  lambs 
Run  sporting  about  by  the  side  of  their 

dams, 
With  fleeces  so  clean  and  so  white  ; 
Or  a  nest  of  young  doves  in  a  large 

open  cage, 
When  they  play  all  in  love,  without 

anger  or  rage, 
How  much  may  we  learn  from  the 

sight ! 

If  we  had  been  ducks,  we  might  dab- 
ble in  mud ; 

Or  dogs,  we  might  play  till  it  ended  in 
blood ; 


147 


MORAL  SONGS.  149 

So  foul  and  so  fierce  are  their  na- 
tures ; 

ut  Thomas  and  William,  and  such 
pretty  names, 
Should  be  cleanly  and    harmless   as 
doves,  or  as  lambs, 

Those  lovely,  sweet  innocent  crea- 
tures. 

Not  a  thing  that  we  do,  nor  a  word 
that  we  say, 

Should  injure  another  in  jesting    or 
play; 
For  he 's  still  in  earnest  that 's  hurt : 

How  rude  are  the  boys  that  throw  peb- 
bles and  mire ! 

There's  none  but  a  madman  will  throw 
about  fire, 
And  tell  you,  "  'tis  all  but  in  sport." 


150  MORAL   SONGS. 

SONG  III. 

THE  THIEF. 

Why  should  I  deprive  my  neighbour 
Of  his  goods  against  his  will  ? 

Hands  were  made  for  honest  labour, 
Not  to  plunder  or  to  steal. 

'Tis  a  foolish  self-deceiving 

By  such  tricks  to  hope  for  gain ; 
All  that's  ever  got  by  thieving 

Turns  to  sorrow,  shame,  and  pain. 

% 
Have  not  Eve  and  Adam  taught  us 

Their  sad  profit  to  compute  ? 
To  what  a  dismal  state  they  brought  us 

When  they  stole  forbidden  fruit ! 


151 


MORAL   SONGS.  153 

Oft  we  see  a  young  beginner 
Practise  little  pill'' ring  ways, 

Till  grown  up  a  harden' d  sinner; 
Then  the  gallows  ends  his  days. 

Theft  will  not  be  always  hidden, 
Though  we  fancy  none  can  spy  ; 

When  we  take  a  thing  forbidden, 
God  beholds  it  with  his  eye. 

Guard  my  heart,  0  God  of  heaven 
Lest  I  covet  what 's  not  mine  : 

Lest  I  steal  what  is  not  given, 
Guard  my  heart  and  hands  from  sin. 


154  MORAL  SONGS. 

SONG  IV. 

THE  ANT,   OK.  EMMET. 

These  Emmets,  how  little  they  are  in  our 

eyes ! 
We  tread  them  to  dust  and  a  troop  of  them 
dies, 
Without  our  regard  or  concern  : 
Yet,  as  wise  as  we  are,  if  we  went  to  their 

school, 
There  's  many  a  sluggard,  and  many  a  fool 
Some  lessons  of  wisdom  might  learn. 

They  wear  not  their  time  out  in  sleeping 

or  play, 
But  gather  up  corn  in  a  sun-shiny  day, 

And  for  winter  they  lay  up  their  stores: 
They  manage  their  work  in  such  regular 

"forms, 
One  would  think  they  foresaw  all  the  frosts 
and  the  storms. 
And  so  brought  their  food  within  doors. 


155 


MORAL   SONGS.  157 

But  I  have  less  sense  than  a  poor  creeping 

ant, 
If  I  take  not  due  care  for  the  things  I  shall 
want, 
Nor  provide  against  dangers  in  time  : 
When  death  or  old  age  shall  stare  in  my 

face, 
What  a  wretch  shall  I  be  in  the  end  of  my 
dajys. 
If  I 'trifle  away  all  my  prime ! 

Now,  riow,  while  my  strength  and  my  youth 
are  in  bloom, 

Let  nig  think  what  will  serve  when  sick- 
ness shall  come, 
And  pray  that  my  sins  be  forgiv'n  : 

Let  me  read  in  good  books,  and  believe  and 
obey, 

That  when  death  turns  me  out  of  this  cot- 
tage of  clay, 
I  may  dwell  in  a  palace  in  heav'n. 


158  MORAL  SONaS. 


SONG  V. 


THE  ROSE. 


How  fair  is  the  rose  !  what  a  beautiful 
flow'r  ! 
The  glory  of  April  aud  May ! 
But  the  leaves  are  beginning  to  fade  in 
an  hour, 
And  they  wither  and  die  in  a  day. 


Yet  the  rose  has  one  powerml  virtue  to 
boast, 
Above  all  the  flow'rs  of  the  field : 
When  its  leaves  are  all  dead,  and  fine 
colours  are  lost, 
Still  how  sweet  a  perfume  it  will 
yield  ! 


159 


MORAL  SONGS.  161 

So  frail  is  the  youth  and  the  beauty  of 
men, 
Tho'  they  bloom  and  look  gay  like 
the  rose ; 
But  all  our  fond  care  to  preserve  them 
is'vain, 
Time  kills  them  as  fast  as  he  goes. 

Then  I  '11  not  be  proud  of  my  youth  or 
my  beauty, 
Since  both  of  them  wither  and  fade ; 
But  gain  a  good  name  by  well-doing 
my  duty ; 
This  will  scent  like  a  rose  when  I'm 
dead. 


162  MORAL   SONGS. 

SONG  VI. 

GOOD    RESOLUTION. 

Though  I'm  now  in  younger  years, 
Nor  can  tell  what  shall  befall  me, 

I'll  prepare  for  every  place, 

Where  my  growing  age  shall  call  me. 

Should  I  e'er  be  rich  or  great, 

Others  shall  partake  my  goodness; 

I  '11  supply  the  poor  with  meat, 

Never  showing  scorn  nor  rudeness. 

Where  I  see  the  blind  or  lame, 
Deaf  or  dumb,  I'll  kindly  treat  them ; 

I  deserve  to  feel  the  same, 
If  I  mock,  or  hurt,  or  cheat  them. 

If  I  meet  with  railing  tongues, 
Why  should  I  return  them  railing ; 

Since  I  best  revenge  my  wrongs 
By  my  patience  never  failing  ! 

When  I  hear  them  telling  lies, 
Talking  foolish,  cursing,  swearing ; 


163 


MORAL  SONGS.  165 

First  I  '11  try  to  make  them  wise, 
Or  I  '11  soon  go  out  of  hearing. 

What  though  I  be  low  and  mean, 
I  '11  engage  the  rich  to  love  me  ; 

While  I  'm  modest,  neat  and  clean, 
And  submit  when  they  reprove  me. 

If  I  should  be  poor  and  sick, 
I  shall  meet,  I  hope,  with  pity ; 

Since  I  love  to  help  the  weak, 
Though  they're  neither  fair  nor  witty. 

I  '11  not  willingly  offend, 

Nor  be  easily  offended ; 
What 's  amiss  I  '11  strive  to  mend, 

And  endure  what  can't  be  mended. 
May  I  be  so  watchful  still, 

O'er  my  humours  and  my  passion, 
As  to  speak  and  do  no  ill, 

Though  it  should  be  all  the  fashion. 

Wicked  fashions  lead  to  hell, 
Ne'er  may  I  be  found  complying ; 

But  in  life  behave  so  well, 
Not  to  be  afraid  of  dying. 


166  MORAL   SONGS. 

SONG  VII. 

A    SUMMER   EVENING. 

How  fine  has  the  day  been,  how  bright 

was  the  sun  ! 
How  lovely  and  joyful  the  course  that 

he  run  ! 
Though  he  rose  in  a  mist  when  his  race 

he  begun, 
And  there  follow' d  some  droppings 

of  rain  ! 
But  now  the  fair  traveller's  come  to 

the  west, 
His  rays  are  all  gold,  and  his  beauties 

are  best ; 
He  paints  the  sky  gay  as  he  sinks  to 

his  rest, 
And  foretells  a  bright  rising  again. 


167 


H    I  Bfilii 

-     W\P\  fcJIti 

|M|| 

rfj 

m 

--J 

1 

MORAL   SONGS.  169 

Just  such  is  the  Christian  ;  his  course 

he  begins, 
Like  the  sun  in  a  mist,  while  he  mourns 

for  his  sins, 
And  melts  into  tears ;  then  he  breaks 

out  and  shines, 
And  travels  his  heav'nly  way  : 
But  when  he  comes  nearer  to  finish  his 

race, 
Like  a  fine  setting  sun  he  looks  richer 

in  grace, 
And  gives  a  sure  hope  at  the  end  of  his 

days, 
Of  rising  in  brighter  array. 


APPENDIX 


A    CRADLE    HYMX. 


The  word  brother,  sister,  nurse,  neighbour,  &c.  may  be 
substituted  in  this  Hymn,  instead  of  the  word  mother. 


Hush  !  my  dear,  lie  still  and  slumber, 
Holy  angels  guard  thy  bed  ! 

Heav'nly  blessings  without  number 
Gently  falling  on  thy  head. 

Sleep,  my  babe,  thy  food  and  raiment, 
House  and  home  thy  friends  provide ; 

All  without  thy  care  or  payment, 
All  thy  wants  are  well  supply'd. 
(170) 


171 


APPENDIX.  173 

How  much  better  thou  'rt  attended 
Than  the  Son  of  God  could  be ; 

When  from  heaven  he  descended, 
And  became  a  child  like  thee ! 


Soft  and  easy  is  thy  cradle ; 

Coarse  and  hard  thy  Saviour  lay  : 
When  his  birth-place  was  a  stable, 

And  his  softest  bed  was  hay. 


Blessed  babe  !  what  glorious  features, 
Spotless  fair,  divinely  bright ! 

Must  he  dwell  with  brutal  creatures  1 
How  could  angels  bear  the  sight  ? 


Was  there  nothing  but  a  manger, 
Cursed  sinners  could  afford, 

To  receive  the  heav'nly  stranger? 
Did  they  thus  affront  the  Lord  ? 


174  APPENDIX. 

Soft,  my  child  1  I  did  not  chide  thee, 
Though  my  song  might  sound  too 
hard  ; 

'Tis  thy  mother  sits  beside  thee, 
And  her  arms  shall  be  thy  guard. 

Yet  to  read  the  shameful  story, 
How  the  Jews  abus'd  their  King; 

How  they  serv'd  the  Lord  of  glory, 
Makes  me  angry  while  I  sing. 

See  the  kinder  shepherds  round  him, 
Telling  wonders  from  the  sky  ! 

Where  they   sought  him,  there  they 
found  him, 
With  his  Virgin- Mother  by. 

See  the  lovely  babe  a-dressing, 
Lovely  infant,  how  he  smil'd  ! 

When  he  wept,  the  mother's  blessing 
Sooth'd  and  hush'd  the  holy  child. 


APPENDIX.  175 

Lo  !  he  slumbers  in  a  manger, 
Where  the  horned  oxen  fed  : 

Peace,  my  darling  !  here's  no  danger, 
Here  's  no  ox  a-near  thy  bed. 

'Twas  to  save  thee,  child,  from  dying, 
Save  my  dear  from  burning  flame, 

Bitter  groans  and  endless  crying, 
That  thy  blest  Redeemer  came. 

May'st  thou  live  to  know  and  fear  him, 
Trust  and  love  him  all  thy  days ; 

Then  go  dwell  for  ever  near  him, 
See  his  face  and  sing  his  praise  ! 

I  could  give  thee  thousand  kisses, 
Hoping  what  I  most  desire  ; 

JN^ot  a  mother's  fondest  wishes 
Can  to  greater  joys  aspire. 


176  APPENDIX. 


THE  KITE,  OR  PRIDE  MUST  HAVE  A  FALL. 

Once  on  a  time,  a  Paper  Kite 
Was  mounted  to  a  wond'rous  height, 
Where,  giddy  with  its  elevation, 
It  thus  express'd  self-admiration  : 
"  See  how  yon  crowds  of  gazing  people 
Admire  my  flight  above  the  steeple  ; 
How  would  they  wonder,  if  they  knew 
All  that  a  Kite,  like  me,  could  do? 
Were  I  but  free,  I  'd  take  a  flight, 
And  pierce  the   clouds   beyond   their 

sight ; 
But,  ah  !  like  a  poor  pris'ner  bound, - 
My  string  confines  me  near  the  ground; 
I  'd  brave  the  eagle's  tow'ring  wing, 
Might  I  but  fly  without  a  stri?ig." 
It  tugg'd  and  pull'd,  while  thus  it 

spoke, 
To  break  the  string — at  last  it  broke  ! 
Depriv'd  at  once  of  all  its  stay, 
In  vain  it  try'd  to  soar  away  : 


177 


12 


APPENDIX.  179 

Unable  its  own  weight  to  bear, 
It  flutter'd  downward  through  the  air; 
Unable  its  own  course  to  guide, 
The  winds  soon  plung'd  it  in  the  tide. 
Oh  !  foolish  Kite,  thou  had'st  no  wing, 
How  could' st  thou  fly  without  a  string ! 

My  heart  reply'd,  "  0  Lord,  I  see 
How  much  the  Kite  resembles  me .' 
Forgetful  that  by  thee  I  stand, 
Impatient  of  thy  ruling  hand  ; 
How  oft  I  've  wished  to  break  the  lines 
Thy  wisdom  for  my  lot  assigns  ! 
How  oft  indulg'd  a  vain  desire 
For    something    more,   or  something 

higher  ! 
And  but  for  grace  and  love  divine, 
A  fall  thus  dreadful  had  been  mine." 


180 


Prithee,  little  buzzing  Fly, 
Eddying  round  my  taper — why 
Is  it  that  its  quiv'ring  light, 
Dazzling,  captivates  thy  sight  ? 
Bright  my  taper  is,  'tis  true : 
Trust  me,  't  is  too  bright  for  you. 
'T  is  a  shame,  fond  thing  beware  ; 
'T  is  a  flame,  you  cannot  bear  : 
Touch  it,  and  'tis  instant  fate  ; 
Take  my  counsel  ere  too  late ; 
Buzz  no  longer  round  and  round, 
Settle  on  the  wall  or  ground  ; 
Sleep  till  morning — with  the  day 
Rise  and  use  your  wings  you  may  , 
Use  'em  then — of  danger  clear — 
Wait  'till  morning  ;  do,  my  dear. 

Lo  !  my  counsel  nought  avails, 
Round,  and  round,  and  round  it  sails ' 


181 


183 


Sails  with  idle  unconcern — 
Prithee,  trifler,  canst  thou  burn  ? 
Madly  heedless  as  thou  art, 
Know  thy  danger  and  depart. 
Why  persist  ? — I  plead  in  vain  ; 
Sing'd  it  falls,  and  writhes  in  pain. 

Is  not  this,  deny  who  can, 
Is  not  this  a  draft  of  man  ? 
Like  the  fly  he  rashly  tries 
Pleasure's  burning  sphere,  and  dies. 
Vain  the  friendly  caution  :  still 
He  rebels  :  alas  !  and  will. 
What  I  sing  let  Pride  apply, 
Flies  are  weak ;  and  man 's  a  fly. 


184  APPENDIX. 


THE   BEGGAR  S   PETITION. 


Pity  the  sorrows  of  a  poor  old  man, 

Whose  trembling  limbs  have  borne  him  to  your 

door, 
Whose  days  are  dwindled  to  the  shortest  span, 
Oh  1  give  relief,  and  heav'n  will  bless  your  store. 

These  tatter'd  clothes  my  poverty  bespeak, 
These  hoary  locks  proclaim  my  lengthen'd  years; 
And  many  a  furrow  in  my  grief-worn  cheek 
Has  been  the  channel  to  a  flood  of  tears. 

Yon  house,  erected  on  the  rising  ground, 
With  tempting  aspect  drew  me  from  my  road  ; 
For  plenty  there  a  residence  has  found, 
And  grandeur  a  magnificent  abode. 

Hard  is  the  fate  of  the  infirm  and  poor ! 
Here,  as  1  crav'd  a  morsel  of  their  bread, 
A  pamper'd  menial  drove  me  from  the  door, 
To  seek  a  shelter  in  an  hnmbler  shed. 

Oh  !  take  me  to  your  hospitable  dome ; 
Keen  blows  the  wind,  and  piercing  is  the  cold ; 
Short  is  my  passace  to  the  friendly  tomb, 
For  1  am  poor  and  miserably  old. 


185 


APPENDIX.  187 

Should  I  reveal  the  sources  of  my  grief. 
If  soft  humanity  e'er  touch'd  your  breast, 
Your  hands  would  not  withhold  the  kind  relief, 
And  tears  of  pity  would  not  be  represt. 

Heaven  sends  misfortunes ;  why  should  we  re- 
pine 1 
'Tis  heaven  has  brought  me  to  the  state  you  see; 
And  your  condition  may  be  soon  like  mine, 
The  child  of  sorrow  and  of  misery. 

A  little  farm  was  my  paternal  lot, 
Then  like  the  lark  I  sprightly  hail'd  the  morn; 
But,  ah  !  oppression  forc'd  mo  from  my  cot, 
My  cattle  died,  and  blighted  was  my  corn 

My  daughter,  once  the  comfort  of  my  age, 
Lur'd  by  a  villain  from  her  native  home, 
Is  cast  abandon 'd  on  the  world's  wide  stage, 
And  doom'd  in  scanty  poverty  to  roam. 

My  tender  wife,  sweet  soother  of  my  care. 
Struck  with  sad  anguish  at  the  stern  decree. 
Fell,  ling'ring  fell,  a  victim  to  despair, 
And  left  the  world  to  wretchedness  and  me. 

Pity  the  sorrows  of  a  poor  old  man, 

Whose  trembling  limbs  have  borne  him  to  your 

door, 
Whose  days  are  dwindled  to  the  shortest  span, 
Oh  !  give  relief,  and  heaven  will  bless  your  store. 


188 


A   MORNING  SONG. 


Once  more,  my  soul,  the  rising  day 

Salutes  thy  waking  eyes, 
Once  more,  my  voice,  thy  tribute  pay 

To  him  who  rules  the  skies. 

Night  unto  night  his  name  repeats, 
The  day  renews  the  sound, 

Wide  as  the  heav'n  on  which  he  sits 
To  turn  the  seasons  round. 

'Tis  he  supports  my  mortal  frame  ; 

My  tongue  shall  speak  his  praise  ; 
My  sins  would  rouse  his  wrath  to  flame, 

And  yet  his  wrath  delays. 

On  a  poor  worm  thy  pow'r  might  tread, 
And  I  could  ne'er  withstand  ; 

Thy  justice  might  have  crush'd  me 
dead, 
But  mercy  held  thy  hand. 


189 


APPENDIX.  191 

A  thousand  wretched  souls  are  fled 

Since  the  last  setting  sun ; 
And    yet    thou   length' nest   out    my 
thread, 

And  yet  my  moments  run. 

Dear  God,  let  all  my  hours  be  thine, 

Whilst  I  enjoy  the  light ; 
Then  shall  my  sun  in  smiles  decline 

And  bring  a  pleasant  night. 


THE    END 


MINIATURE 

Jiff  VIE  WHILES, 

PUBLISHED  BY 

SMITH  &  FECK, 

PHILADELPHIA. 
Each,  containing  48  Plates* 

LITTLE  PICTURE  BIBLE. 

LITTLE  PICTURE  TESTAMENT. 

LITTLE  ROBINSON  CRUSOE. 

THE  LITTLE  ESOP. 

WATTS'  DIVINE  AND  MORAL  SONGS. 

LITTLE  POEMS. 

CHILD'S     NATURAL     HISTORY     OF 

BEASTS. 
CHILD'S     NATURAL     HISTORY    OF 

BIRDS. 

Hi*  Several  new  volumes  of  this  popular 
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